World Cup Group B

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BBC Sport Online looks at the countries drawn in Group B at the 2002 World Cup finals.

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SPAIN
Coach: Jose Camacho
Spain made light work of their qualification to next year's World Cup - which will be their 11th appearance at the competition - finishing top of Group Seven.

An undeniably talented side, packed with stars such as Real Madrid strikers Raul and Fernando Morientes and Lazio midfielder Gaizka Mendieta.

Technically excellent and exciting to watch, much will be expected from Spain.

Spain were tipped to win Euro 2000 by many, but they failed to deliver on their early promise.

And they will have to rid themselves of their under-achievers tag if they are to finally make an impression on the world's biggest stage.

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SLOVENIA
Coach: Srecko Katanec
Slovenia will be making their first ever appearance at next year's World Cup after they beat Romania 3-2 on aggregate in their European play-off.

The former Yugoslav republic's presence at the finals in Korea and Japan is a massive achievement for a nation which boasts a population of just two million.

Much of their success is down to coach Srecko Katanec, who has managed to get the best out of the limited players at his disposal.

Slovenia will undoubtedly look to the mercurial Zlatko Zahovic to inspire them to success, and have a talented striker in Milan Osterc.

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PARAGUAY
Coach: To be named
Paraguay go into the World Cup finals in a state approaching chaos.

Despite leading Paraguay through a successful qualifying campaign coach Sergio Markarian was sacked after a 4-0 defeat by Colombia in their final match when their berth in the finals was already comfortably secured.

Boca Juniors coach Carlos Bianchi has been approached to lead Paraguay into the finals.

The Paraguayan football authorities are also fighting a Fifa-imposed four match ban which will rule talismanic goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert out of their first two games of the finals.

Paraguay possess all the skills associated with South American countries but lack the depth in strength and defensive organisation to be a serious threat.

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SOUTH AFRICA
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
South Africa secured their second appearance at the World Cup finals and remained unbeaten in their African qualifying group.

They had the good fortune of being paired with less than potent opposition in the form of Burkina Faso, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

South Africa have several UK-based players in their squad - Manchester United's Quinton Fortune and Charlton's Shaun Bartlett and Mark Fish.

A competent side who will prove tricky opponents, but are unlikely to make the later stages of the competition.